Author archive for: Chika12

Yesterday was my father’s birthday. He would have been 95 years old but he lived well for the 93 years he was on this planet. Today, my father-in-law, is going through the process of letting go of his well lived 90 years. Both of them, though, spent a great deal of time reviewing and reliving as many of their past experiences as they could remember – eager to tell their stories to all who would listen, anxious to impart the life lessons they learned along their journey. Yet, while each was/is reluctant to leave the vibrancy of living, both of…

Glass Ceilings I am trying really hard to get excited about the prospect of having the first female president voted into office this coming November but at the same time, I am girding myself for the onslaught of negative press that is inevitably going to rain down upon us. Just looking at today’s CNN top stories and their leading headlines says it all…. “McConnell: Trump doesn’t know a lot about issues”… indication of splintering within the RNC. But that could be a good thing for the DNC…”End for Sanders? Supporters react”…potential splintering of the DNC – will Hillary be able…

I wrote this piece a few months ago after listening to a fascinating and inspiring interview of Elon Musk by Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy -https://www.khanacademy.org/. I am not an expert on Elon Musk. in fact I only know what I gleaned from my internet research and listening to the hour long interview. But, I confess, I am now a little bit in love with him and a lot in awe! But back to Elon Musk (founder of PayPal, Tesla and most recently, CEO of SpaceX). He has a remarkable vision for our future; a future that he…

I’ve been out of the country for the past four weeks, traveling in Southeast Asia, and have been having a blast becoming acquainted with new cultures and places. There is something so exhilarating about being somewhere that I’ve never been before and having to use my cultural wits to navigate through situations that are completely foreign to me. Although I am familiar with other countries in SEAsia, I had never been to Vietnam or Cambodia until this past month. Remarkably, throughout this whole trip, we haven’t had a single negative encounter with any of the local people that we’ve met.…

I think that all of my English teacher buddies have had multiple experiences with amusing analogies and metaphors that have been found in their students’ essays over the years. You could probably add to the list with some of your own memorable examples. A friend of mine recently sent me some of these and I wondered what the endings would be to these “bad beginnings”… His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Clinig Free. . static noise obliterated any semblance of logical thought like the sensation of rubbing dry hands across…

I love to read. I have always loved to read. I am a voracious reader; a devourer of books in big, gulping page-fuls. I get nervous, short of breath and feel a distinct tightness in my chest when I have finished a book and realize that I don’t have another immediately waiting for my consumption. I read somewhere that you shouldn’t have a stack of books next to your bed because it causes some kind of anxiety. But I must have a stack of books, each patiently waiting to be picked up and read in turn, based on its library…

Lying in savasana while trying to calm my mind, I heard her say – “Breathe into all of your physical places; let your breath expand awareness of your mind spaces”. I used to spend hours at night, while trying to fall asleep, imagining my classroom. What was the best way to accommodate 36 desks in small groups along with my book cases, computer desk, TV stand, teaching podium, and large metal storage cabinet, while still being able to move around the room quickly without bumping into anything? And then, I would spend hours on the weekend or get to school…

The 12th day: If you are an adept of Numerology, you would identify the number 12 with the “1” of new beginnings and the “2” with seeking balance, expressing your feelings and encouraging love. The 12th month: December – represents reflection and reconciliation of the events from the past year; the setting of positive intentions for the next 12 months. An opportunity to let go of the feelings (ego) that motivated all of the momentous decisions made during the past year; an opportunity to set new intentions leading to greater potential growth; to being observant (mindful) and finding calm in…

I’m behind this month…I might just make this submission in time for posting but I have most definitely missed the requested deadline of at least 24 to 48 hours in advance. I am so sorry, justachik1. I could use the excuse of “needed more time to process” but we all know that this is simply a case of blatant procrastination – the one thing that I do really well! In my defense though, I’ve actually written another submission and filed it away because I didn’t feel like it would be appropriate. I mean, who wants to read about Elon Musk…

In just a few days, my step-mom, sisters and I will be making a long journey over the Pacific to take my father’s ashes to be united with my mother’s in Japan. My mother passed away 30 years ago this coming January and it’s been a year since my father passed away in Palm Harbor, Florida, just a few days after his 93rd birthday. Like many retirees, he spent the last “third” of his life, living his life to the fullest, in Florida. My dad was an avid, sometimes rabid, consumer of sports of the baseball and football variety. Long…